MDR chief Ralf Ludwig on AfD threat and austerity before Saxony-Anhalt vote

MDR director Ralf Ludwig faces a critical election in Saxony-Anhalt where the AfD, potentially reaching 40 percent, plans to abolish the public broadcaster. Ludwig warns of an existential threat to the institution and its 4,000 employees. Ludwig rejects claims of undemocratic intent, acknowledging the AfD's legal right to cancel state broadcasting treaties, though he calls the move an unprecedented attack on democracy. He confirms the MDR would legally challenge any unconstitutional replacement model and has increased security for journalists facing physical attacks. The MDR is implementing austerity measures, cutting 300 jobs and reducing budgets for productions like "Tatort" due to depleted reserves and a rejected fee increase. Ludwig defends entertainment programming, including Florian Silbereisen's shows, as part of the public broadcaster's mandate.